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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Chelsea held to 2-2 draw</li><li>Brooks brought down Cucurella</li><li>Referee looked at the monitor but did not show red card</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Premier League history at Chelsea! Referee REFUSED to send off Bournemouth's David Brooks for Marc Cucurella clash despite VAR intervention in major first

Premier League

Newcastle

Bournemouth

Chelsea

Wolverhampton

<p>The controversy unfolded shortly after Bournemouth’s Justin Kluivert had equalised in the second half. Marc Cucurella, attempting to initiate a counter-attack for Chelsea, was abruptly brought down by Brooks by his hair. Referee Robert Jones was directed to the pitch-side monitor for a closer look. After a thorough review, Jones determined that the incident <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/chelsea-player-ratings-bournemouth-reece-james-nicolas-jackson/blt5cbd327fa1778acf" target="_blank">constituted reckless play rather than violent conduct</a> and issued a yellow card instead of a red.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>It was a historic moment as it was the first time in the Premier League that a referee turned down a VAR referral for a red card. Moreover, it is the first VAR rejection in this campaign by an on-field official.</p><p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">David Brooks misses out on a red card despite a lengthy VAR review 👀<br><br>Should he have been sent off...? 🤔<br><br>📺 <a href="https://twitter.com/tntsports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tntsports</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/discoveryplusUK?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@discoveryplusUK</a> <a href="https://t.co/cpMQl8RBsZ">pic.twitter.com/cpMQl8RBsZ</a></p>— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) <a href="https://twitter.com/footballontnt/status/1879269165141250419?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2025</a></blockquote>
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THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>The decision left Chelsea players bewildered as many felt the challenge warranted a more severe punishment. Reece James reflected on the situation after the match and said: "When the referee takes a look at the monitor then it's never a good sign. There are positives to take away from the game but there are negatives as well. It's mixed emotions."</p><p>However, the Premier League’s Match Centre offered a swift explanation on social media to clarify the decision:</p><p>"VAR recommended an on-field review for a possible red card to Brooks for violent conduct. Upon review, the referee deemed that the challenge on Cucurella was a reckless action and not violent conduct – and issued a yellow card to Brooks."</p>

WHAT HAS BEEN SAID

<p>Chelsea will now turn their focus to their next Premier League fixture against Wolves on Monday.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

Premier League history at Chelsea! Referee REFUSED to send off Bournemouth's David Brooks for Marc Cucurella clash despite VAR intervention in major first | Goal.com

Premier League history was created at Stamford Bridge when the referee refused to send off Bournemouth&apos;s David Brooks despite a VAR intervention.

Premier League history at Chelsea! Referee REFUSED to send off Bournemouth&apos;s David Brooks for Marc Cucurella clash despite VAR intervention in major first